Memorable Manitobans: Eugene Joseph “Gene” Pyrz (1956-2014)

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Gene Pyrz
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Actor, musician.

Born at Winnipeg on 30 May 1956, son of Eugeniusz and Angela Pyrz, he worked as an actor at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Theatre Projects Manitoba, Manitoba Theatre for Young People, Rainbow Stage, and the Winnipeg Fringe Festival. His 1991 role as singer Hank Williams in the production “Hank Williams: The Show He Never Gave” was considered a career highlight. He co-founded Shakespeare in the Ruins and appeared in most of its early productions. He also acted in several television programs and films, including Cinderella Man (2005). As a musician he led and performed with the rock and roll band Combo Combo. He died at Winnipeg on 25 February 2014.

Sources:

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 27 February 2014.

“Local renaissance man Gene Pyrz remembered as charismastic, cool,” Winnipeg Free Press, 27 February 2014.

We thank Melissa Maher for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 18 April 2014

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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